ST. PAUL — U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said Thursday she won’t seek reelection in 2026, a decision that has set off a scramble by potential candidates in both major political parties to fill her open seat.

Several Democrats said they would run or quickly signaled their interest, including Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Democrats already faced an uphill battle in trying to regain control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority that has enabled them to confirm President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Smith’s retirement will deprive Democrats of an incumbent as they try to recruit candidates for races in states that will likely be tougher for them to win.

Flanagan was quick to issue a statement saying she plans to run. Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024, is considering it, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity and was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Omar is also considering a run, said her chief of staff, Connor McNutt. So is Simon, according to another person who spoke on condition of anonymity and was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

While no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, a couple came close in 2022, and the traditionally Democratic state has become increasingly competitive in recent years.

On the Republican side, anti-establishment populist Royce White, who lost to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024, had already said he would challenge Smith in 2026, and he affirmed on Thursday that he’s still running.